EMDR and EMDR Intensives

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.” The therapy is a non-drug, non-hypnosis psychotherapy procedure. EMDR is a type of therapy that can help change the way our brain stores and recalls memories, change unhelpful beliefs and behavioural patterns. In EMDR therapy, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a core component that helps the brain process past experiences. BLS refers to rhythmic, alternating stimulation of both sides of the body—usually through eye movements, sounds, or tactile taps.

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR is used to treat troubling symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and post-traumatic reactions. It can also enhance emotional resources such as confidence and self-esteem. At Pivot Counselling, we love to explore different ways EMDR therapy can support you with current challenges.

What happens in a session?

EMDR is different for everyone because the healing process is guided from within. Past issues or memories related to the current concern sometimes arise, and a painful memory can bring up unpleasant emotions or bodily sensations. This is normal. Generally, if the EMDR continues, the upsetting emotion or memory often seems to fade and lose its power.

Does EMDR work during virtual counselling?

EMDR can be very effective through video counselling, and most clients report their surprise that virtual EMDR works just as well for them as it has in person. We will work together to find the right tools to support the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, sounds, tactile, etc.) required during EMDR. Different technology platforms let Vanessa control the bilateral stimulation while also watching your reactions and body movements so she can support you. We will spend extra time reviewing the technology and ensuring you are in a safe and comfortable space. Together, we’ll plan what supports will be in place should the session become dysregulating for you.

Why bring up a painful memory?

When painful memories are avoided, they keep their disturbing power. Flashbacks or nightmares can feel as upsetting and overwhelming as the original experience but do not help us move through the memory. In therapy and with EMDR, you can face the memory in a safe setting so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Then, you can get through it and move on.

Are there any precautions?

Yes. Depending on your presenting problem, emotional stability, medical conditions, and other factors, there are specific procedures to follow. The therapist must be formally trained in EMDR. Otherwise, there is a risk that EMDR would be incomplete, ineffective, or even harmful.

Pivot Counselling can offer EMDR because Vanessa McConnell is a fully trained professional. She follows the evidence-based protocols and procedural steps of EMDR therapy.

What happens after EMDR?

You may continue to process the material for days or weeks after the session, perhaps having new insights, vivid dreams, strong feelings, or memory recall. You might find this confusing, but it is a continuation of the healing process. You can report these experiences to Vanessa at your next session. However, if you become concerned or depressed, you should call your counsellor immediately.

As your distressing systems fade, we can work on developing new skills and coping methods.

What is an EMDR Intensive?

Unlike many other forms of therapy, EMDR does not benefit from time between sessions to practice new skills or participate in homework activities, making it ideal for an intensive approach. This condensed approach can make it especially helpful in the face of life’s demands—such as time, finances, travel, and emotional energy—which can make it challenging to fully engage in traditional therapy and see progress as quickly as we would like. You and Vanessa will create a plan together to complete larger chunks of EMDR work over a longer session ranging from 3-5 hours, or sometimes over multiple days in a row. Check out more on intensives at Vanessa’s other practice here: Inward Bound Psychology EMDR Intensives.

Should I chose the ongoing or intensive format?

Everyone is different for what works best for them and their unique circumstances. Vanessa suggests to start off by booking a regular individual session (75 minutes recommended) where we can begin to go through your history together, discuss the different formats, the risks and benefits of both approaches and create a plan that works best for you to help you reach your desired outcome and works with your life context.